Spurs’ usually solid defensive base was torn apart by Liverpool on Saturday evening.
Fired up by a raucous Anfield crowd, Jurgen Klopp’s side ripped through Mauricio Pochettino’s men with the electric pace of Sadio Mane their biggest weapon to secure a 2-0 win – both goals came from the Senegalese attacker. The result left Chelsea as the only real victors and brought an end to an ugly start to 2017 for Liverpool.
Pochettino, however, must find a way to improve his away record against the top six. Continuing to impress at White Hart Lane, when they find themselves on the road they are losing far too frequently. A draw would have been okay on Saturday, but, in truth, they were fortunate not to lose heavily.
The Spurs boss has managed to overcome difficulties in the past – whether it has been through a change in shape or personnel, he has found a means to the necessary ends.
Pochettino again needs to change something for Spurs, particularly in these challenging away games, if they are to ever cement a position as realistic title competitors.
Davies Woe
Spurs’ full/wing-backs are the key to their success – the athleticism and all-round skills of Kyle Walker and Danny Rose enable the way that the team plays. Ben Davies, who is an able deputy to Rose, was targeted by Liverpool to great effect at the weekend, though.
A solid defender, Davies does not have the pace or strength of Rose and is not the same threat offensively. Injuries or suspension to either of the main men significantly undermine the whole Spurs set-up and we can expect other teams to run at and press Davies.
Area of Weakness
After pressing their opposition into oblivion at times last season, Spurs were pressed into mistakes themselves by Liverpool. Aside from the immovable Mousa Dembele, the Lilywhites’ defence and midfield looked vulnerable to losing possession in fatal areas.
This is a concern, of course, for Pochettino whose side seldom look hurried on the ball. The limitations of Victor Wanyama were all too clear, despite his high standards for the majority of this season.
No Outlet
Spurs’ lack of pace in the final third has been an issue in the recent past. Son Heung-min has been able to provide that at times, but even he was unable to offer a real speedy attacking outlet against Liverpool’s high pressing.
As good as Harry Kane is at linking play, Pochettino must play Moussa Sissoko and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou more regularly in matches such as the one at Anfield. Their speed would have terrified Liverpool’s shaky defence and allowed Spurs to transition a lot quicker.
High as Kite
Tottenham’s high defensive line is a fundamental part of the way that Pochettino wants his side to play, but the trouble is that this leaves them vulnerable. Exposed by Mane on several occasions on the weekend, their usually reliable defence has been exposed so high up the pitch against the stronger teams.
Diego Costa found similar joy when Spurs visited Stamford Bridge and Manchester City got behind their defence almost at will. It would require a complete revamp of their approach for some matches, but Pochettino must consider having his team sit a little deeper.
Change for change’s sake?
Having returned to the back four lately, Pochettino has left us wondering what was wrong with the back three. The losses of Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose are an issue, admittedly, with Ben Davies not an ideal wing-back. However, Spurs looked at their best when playing a back three, with the freedom given to Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen seemingly bringing them back to their top form.
Spurs’ tactical flexibility has been a big advantage for them up to this point, Pochettino must not waste that.